The definitive pre-fame / Pre-“Pain” overview of one of the world’s greatest funk bands.

By the time the OHIO PLAYERS released their breakthrough single “Pain” in 1971 they had been together since the late Fifties, originally as the Ohio Untouchables and as the Ohio Players since 1967. Within a few years they would hit superstardom with US #1 pop hits “Fire” and “Love Rollercoaster”. However, it was their earlier work with legendary producer Johnny Brantely, featured here, that created their unique “sound” and the foundation of their future success.

This exclusive two-disc deluxe package gathers together – for the first time – all of the Johnny Brantley productions including every track originally released on single, the complete Observations In Time album, plus later compilation-only tracks and additional unreleased recordings from the vaults.

Features the bands first R&B hit “Trespassin’” and the Northern Soul anthem “Love Slips Through My Fingers”. Also features the bands wacky funked-up cover version of Allen Toussaint’s classic “Mother In Law” which paved the way for the Top 20 hit “Funky Worm”.

As mentioned above The Ohio Players would go on to become one of the most successful soul and funk groups of the decade, they were a phenomenon. It was a success that was built on the work that was done in the late 1960s, when as a band with a new identity they forged a sound that was uniquely their own.

TRACKLIST

SIDE A

1. Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
2. Mother-In-Law
3. Stop Lying To Yourself
4. Over The Rainbow
5. Find Someone To Love
6. Cold, Cold World

SIDE B

1. Summertime
2. Bad Bargain
3. The Man I Am
4. Lonely Street
5. Street Party

SIDE C

1. A Little Soul Party
2. A Thing Called Love
3. Neighbors
4. Tell Me Why
5. You Don't Mean It
6. Trespassin'

SIDE D

1. I've Got To Hold On
2. It's A Crying Shame
3. Alabama Soupbone - Parts1 & 2
4. I Gotta Get Away
5. Love Slipped Through My Fingers
6. Lonely Streets At Midnight